Australian statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Yemen

Australia thanks the Group of Eminent Experts for their report.

Australia is gravely concerned at the reported ongoing violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Yemen. We note the report's conclusion that there are reasonable grounds to believe some of these acts amount to war crimes.

The ongoing reports of gender-based and sexual violence against women, men and children are deeply troubling. Australia condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the reported recruitment and use of children in hostilities.

Given the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, we remain deeply concerned by further reports of the supply and distribution of humanitarian relief being impeded, particularly in Yemen's north.

We continue to call on the parties to the conflict to act in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and work towards a durable political settlement.

We strongly support the work of the Group of Eminent Experts, and agree that collecting, preserving and analysing information related to the violations is essential to combat impunity.

Australia notes the report's final recommendation and would welcome the Group of Eminent Experts' views on how the human rights dimensions of the Yemen conflict could be more fully integrated into the Security Council agenda?

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